PBKS vs RR: I Would Take Jitesh Sharma As A Backup Wicketkeeper-Batter To Australia – Virender Sehwag

Former Indian player Virender Sehwag was impressed with Punjab Kings wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma for the kind of strokes he played against Rajasthan Royals.

The 28-year-old was bought by Punjab Kings in the IPL 2022 auction for his base price of INR 20 lakhs. Sharma has been impressive with his pinch-hitter role in the slog overs.

PBKS vs RR: Jitesh Sharma scored 38* vs RR

The PBKS gloveman has scored 162 runs in seven innings, striking at 167.01. He remained unbeaten on 38 off 18 deliveries against Rajasthan Royals on Saturday. Sharma hit four boundaries and a couple of sixes during his handy cameo to push PBKS’ score to 189/5.

Jitesh Sharma has impressed me a lot: Virender Sehwag

Sehwag, who played 25 IPL games for the Punjab franchise, said Jitesh has plenty of shots in his armour and praised the way he executed. The former Indian player reckoned Sharma to be part of India’s T20 World Cup squad in Down Under.

“No doubt, brilliant batting. He has impressed. Ishan Kishan, Rishabh Pant, and Wriddhiman Saha are all wicketkeeper-batters, but of all, Jitesh Sharma has impressed me the most. He has a fearless style of batting,” Sehwag told Cricbuzz.

“He just expresses himself. He knows his zones, he knows the shots he has to play. The six he hit Yuzvendra Chahal.. it reminded me of VVS Laxman when he hit Shane Warne for a six through midwicket. It was a wonderful batting performance.

“He has impressed me a lot. If it was in my hands, I would take him as a backup wicketkeeper-batter to Australia,” Sehwag added.

However, Punjab Kings lost to the Royals by six wickets as youngster Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 41-ball 68 was pivotal in the chase. West Indies batter Shimron Hetmyer hit 31 off 16 to take his side past the finishing line.

Punjab Kings’ chances of qualifying for the IPL 2022 playoffs are hanging by a thread as they slipped to seventh place in the points table with five wina in 11 games.

The Mayank Agarwal-led side will next meet Royal Challengers Bangalore on May 13.

Also Read: PBKS vs RR: I Did Not Know That I Will Be The Man of The Match – Yashasvi Jaiswal